
Love Island's Lauren Wood hits out at critics of relationship with Harrison
Love Island's Lauren Wood has taken part in her first interview since her dramatic exit from the villa which ended in the star convincing Harrison to leave the series. The 26-year-old dog walker bid farewell to the villa on Friday July 18 after an unexpected turn of events saw her partner Ty Isherwood snatched away by newcomer Angel Swift.
Despite enduring a chaotic relationship with 22-year-old footballer Harrison, Lauren attempted to rekindle their romance as she prepared to leave, urging him to exit the show with her. Following a good long think, Harrison decided to follow Lauren out of the villa after a 10-minute speech that took up a sizeable chunk of the episode.
Lauren has since spoken out about their relationship, expressing that she is "100 per cent" willing to give their love another chance, despite Harrison's past indiscretions, reports OK!
"I see myself being with him long-term as I haven't had a connection like that with someone in such a long time," she revealed.
"I know what we had was real despite what everyone else thinks. He has done wrong and made stupid mistakes, but he knows that and believes it was the wrong thing to do."
Lauren also mentioned that before her departure, Harrison took the time to sit with her and Toni to openly discuss his feelings.
"Harrison sat down with both me and Toni and told her that he missed me and wasn't moving forward with her because he had me on his mind. When I found out that I'd been dumped, we did briefly speak about him leaving with me and I asked him to," she revealed.
"I realise that we'd had a bad few days together since the recoupling when he coupled back up with Toni, so it was a big decision for him to make. It didn't really give him enough time so he said he'd sleep on it. I told him 'If you mean what you're telling me, you'll act on it.'"
Harrison also clarified his emotions regarding Lauren following his surprising and drawn-out departure from the villa. Regardless of residing in Miami, the reality star expressed his dedication to maintaining a long-distance romance with Lauren after walking from the show.
"We'll make the distance work! It will be no issue. We left on good terms but the two days prior to leaving we weren't talking properly so it would be good to have a conversation, get everything out in the open and hopefully move forward from there," he explained.
"I feel very strongly about the girl, I wouldn't have left if I didn't. I have no doubt in my mind that she'll be my girlfriend one day. I'm buzzing to see her and reunite! She's such a great girl."

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